Mental health charity calls for study into impact of social media

THE WAY social media impacts young people’s mental health needs to be better understood, according to new research by the Centre for Mental Health.

The charity has published a briefing paper which says there is evidence to show both positive and negative effects on mental health by using social media, but more research is needed if young people are to be helped “navigate the challenges of 21st-century life”.

The report comes in the wake of research by Ofcom and the Information Commissioner’s Office which found that 45 per cent of UK adults had experienced some form of online harm. The Centre for Mental Health paper said: “Evidence about the roles social media play in relation to our mental health is still emerging.

“And while more has been said and written about the potential risks and dangers, evidence has come to light on both positive and negative impacts that may be associated with social media use.”

The paper highlighted concerns around social media use such as addiction and cyberbullying.

Some platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have moved to mitigate fears of addiction by introducing wellbeing tools that enable users to monitor and restrict their time on such platforms.

Public campaigns such as Scroll Free September have also been launched to encourage the public to use social media less. But the charity also highlighted the role of social media in “creating and sustaining connections between people” and reducing loneliness as one positive impact on mental health, along with the boost in self-esteem that can come from presenting a positive version of ourselves to the world.